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For Immediate Release
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Southeast Technical Foundation establishes endowment fund in honor of President Jim Johnson
Scholarship funds will help students stay in college and complete education
Winona, MN (May 2, 2014) -The Southeast Technical Foundation announced today the establishment of an endowment fund honoring the legacy of President Jim Johnson, who will retire on June 30, 2014.
The Jim Johnson Legacy Scholarship Fund is designated to help students complete their education. Organizers originally set a goal of raising $25,000, but have since exceeded that goal and are continuing to raise money in Jim's honor. "After 32 years of dedication, service and leadership, it is with gratitude and honor that we recognize Jim's commitment to higher education by creating this endowment fund in his name," says Chris Schabow, Foundation Director.
Johnson, however, expresses that he doesn't want the fund to be about recognizing his accomplishments -- he wants contributors to be aware of the needs of current and future Southeast Technical students, who struggle to complete their education as state support declines, college costs rise, and student loan debt soars.
"I want to thank all the supporters of the Legacy Fund as the gifts you bring to this drive will have a significant impact on our current and future students. Over my career at Southeast Tech I have seen countless students drop out of their programs due to lack of funds. Many say they will return after they can raise some money. The sad truth is too many of those students never come back," Jim Johnson says. "A fund like this can help the college retain students who just cannot continue due to finances. Thank you for being there for Southeast Technical and our students....your gift counts."
Donations for the Jim Johnson Legacy Scholarship Fund are welcome, and can be made online at www.southeastmn.one/donate or by mail to:
Southeast Technical Foundation, Tandeski Center, 1200 Storr's Pond Road, Winona, MN 55987.
For more information, contact Chris Schabow, 507-453-1423, [email protected].
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Photo Credit: Jim Johnson addresses a group of friends and college supporters at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, May 1, 2014. Courtesy Southeast Technical.
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About Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical
With a clear mission of "Education for Employment," Minnesota State College -Southeast Technical provides students a strong foundation for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need for a lifetime of learning. Its Winona and Red Wing campuses merged in 1992, becoming Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical in 1999. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one.